The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-03-03
WHITE-FACED CICELY.
How She Brought Her Master
Near the GaTows.


In the waning light Of a September even
ing, about the middle of the last century
there nigh; have been seen traversing at
fOOt's pace the broad stretch of common
land known to the natives of shire IA
and wide, as 'Hangman's Heath stal
wart, pleasant1ooking gentleman Of appar
entity that age when man Is supposed U
be in his prime, mounted on an exceedingly
wcll-bred bay mare, possessing two white
heels, and probably the whitest face cvel
beheld on one of the equine race IL wa.
TO ordinary blaze of white this. such as Is
constantly seen on a horses visage, coming
down the center and tapering off to a point
as ii reaches the nose, but, beginning at the
forehead, which it covered completely, il
widened as it got beneath the eye, and
reaching to where the cheek-bone projects
on either side, came straight down and right
across the whole face, locking for all the
world as if some one had taken a huge
brushful of whitewash, brought it down
with one deft sweep and there left it.
Altogether, Major George Brabazon's
-goOd-lOOling mare, owing to the extraordi.
nary mark jGst described, once seen was
not easily forgotten, though in justice il
must be said that her perfect make and
shape were quite enough in themselves TO
attract the attention at any time of any one
Tersed in hOrSefesh
George Brabazon, notwithstanding his
forty odd years and his game leg, was still
a very goOa-looking fellow: a trife stout
certainly, the natural consequence of liv-
ing an easy and contented life after the
knOckings about and hardships he had I'M
dergone during his military career, but
still very presentable for all that, with his
fine, well-set up figure and wellcut fea-
lures. Therefore twas not to be wondered
at that he was looked upon by the ladies
generally as fair game for them to set their
caps at. For five years did the gallant Off
Ger resist all their wiles and articles and
so his jolly way rejoicing, laughing in his
sleeve at their discontinue. Then there
suddenly appeared upon the scene fair
widow named Thomson. The Major was
asked to come to tea one evening by his
friend, Mrs. Matchum, for the express pur-
pose of being introduced to the widow, and
the Major, though not much of hand at
tea-drinl1ing-a bowl of punch or bishop
being more in his line-accepted the invita-
ton, as he admired Mrs. Matchum and was
curious to see the Widow Thomson, whom
he had already heard toasted. Alas with
that dish Of tea away went the Majors
freedom for good and all. He entered the
house with all the confidence imaginable,
his heart, as he thought, fully prepared
against any siege that might be laid to it in
the shape of captivating looks and soft
speeches, such as are often employed with
considerable success by lovely woman
when in pursuit of her lawful quarry-man
H. If IA, 50 Ill
struck his flag and given up his arms with
out so much as the semblance of q strug-
sic. Yes there was no doubt at all about
it. The fascinating Widow Thomson had
effected in five minutes what all the other
ladies Whereabouts had been endeavoring
to do for the last five years, and had fairly
won the Majors heart at the very first at
tempt.
1t was indeed a famous victory. Three
days afterwards the Major was observed to
leave Mrs. Matchum's house, and mount his
favorite mare, who was being led about
outside, looking, if il were possible, more
radiant and jolly than ever He was I'M
commonly smart, too, was the Major, his
Families wig was new, so was his coat.
and as he rode gayly away he threw the
astOnished beggar who had held his mare a
crown piece. Something was up with the
Major. What could it be! All Plumpertou
was dying to know, and seeing that Plum
perton was just about the last place to keen
4 secret i'll for long, you may depend upon
1t that it WAS not very long before Plum
portion did know.
In half an hours time the murder was
put, and il was known all over the town that
Major George was engaged to be married.
$50 the Widow Thomson, of course ex
claimed Skinner, the lawyer, on being told
she news by the mayor, whom he met
casually in the High street.
'-Of course" replied the mayor, pomu-
ously, as much as TO say, ''who else could
1t be, stupid head!'
We must now go back to where we began.
and join Major Brabazon as he rode slowly
across Hangman's Heath. The reias hung
loosely over the good bay mares neck, and
Ter rider, who apparently was not in his
Usual spirits, seemed lost in reverie.
The Majors thoughts ran thus: l have
oeen 20 the races on SmCgglebury Down
5o-day, and lost my money-a good deal
more than l could afford, especially with
ny wedding so handy; and promised the
future Mrs. Brabazon l would never bet
again, too-ha! / meant after was mar |
led, of course! l dropped good bit on |
The cockfght yesterday, too. By Jovel l |
shall have to raise the wind, pistol me if 1 |
shan't-maAes me feel quite low, declare. |
On the top of that; too-as if losing ones |
noIey wasn't bad enough-coming across |
Door young Jack Wilder swinging in chains |
Iasn't made me feel more cheerful Stupid |
If me not 10 have remembered their string
ng him up on the heath here. Poor fellow |
and / remember him little chap in petit |
coats. First happy young farmer; next
drink. low company, and gambling; then /
stand and deliverr' Poor boy, poor boy! |
such good-looking chap as he was too!
Heaven forbid should ever come to 1.-The
-oad." If ever l did, though, it would be
odd if you and did not show some of them
: clean pair of heels, Ell, Cicely, my girll
And the Major, patting his favorite's neck,
eemed to cheer up all of sudden as the
mare gave friendly whinny in reply to her
masters caresS.
Chang the bluesIn exclaimed the Major;
II don't often get 'em, but I've got fit of
hem now, that's certain. IT'S long way
come TO Plumperton, and we've had hard
lay Of it. What say you, my lady, to put
ing up at the Wheatsheaf for the night,
at"
And gathering up mis- reins, Major George
ct his mare going, and did not again pull